BISMARCK, ND – In a game played with post-season intensity between two of the top teams in the Northern Sun, the University of Mary women's basketball team battled the top team in the conference to the final buzzer in a 76-66 loss to visiting Minnesota State University.
 
Down eight at intermission, the Marauders used a big third quarter to take a 49-47 lead on a Lexie Schneider layup in the final minute. The Mavericks followed with a basket by Destinee Birch to tie the game at 49-49 entering the fourth period.
 
UMary jumped back in front on a Megan Zander trey before a basket by Schneider pushed the Marauders advantage to 54-51, the Marauders last lead of the night. Joey Batt tied the game for the Mavericks with a trey, sparking a 9-1 run.
 
After UMary closed within 64-61 on a jumper by Mariah McKeever, Minnesota State (14-4 overall, 11-1 NSIC) closed the game out at the line. The Mavericks went to the line 16 times and converted 12 to maintain their grasp atop the Northern Sun standings.
 
The Marauders (12-8, 8-4) remain 4^th in the NSIC standings, tied with Concordia-St. Paul.
 
Schneider, the leading scorer and rebounder in the NSIC, led the Marauders with 22 points and 12 rebounds. This is her eighth double double of the season. The all-conference performer was 5-of-10 from the floor and 12-of-14 at the free throw line. She also had two steals.
 
Zander tossed down 16 points. She hit three treys in the game and had eight rebounds. The senior wing also had two steals and two blocks.
 
McKeever chipped in 10 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
 
Batt led the Mavericks with 21 points. Natalie Bremer added 16.
 
UMary shot 38.5% from the floor and was 20-of-28 at the line. MSU converted 39.3% of its shots and was 30-of-40 on free throws. The Marauders held a 39-31 edge in rebounds.
 
The Marauders next embark on a 3-game road trip, first stopping at second place Southwest Minnesota State University on Friday, January 26. Tip off is 5:30 pm in Marshall, MN.
 
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